A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel served as governor between 2015 and 2023.
He arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja around 12:30pm on Tuesday, following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
Emmanuel was arrested after honouring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.
“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
“A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation,” a source said.
He added, “The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion.
“Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after.”
